Christian H. at 2009-08-30 07:25:26:
I don't know why people don't use dream sequences anymore.

I always thought the beginning of Cape Fear would have been better as a dream sequence.

I try to have one in every movie( I stopped writing scripts) because it's so cinematic. You can break the rules of your world and show a lot of personality or off screen happenings.
Scott at 2009-08-30 10:00:48:
Christian H., if done well, dream sequences can make for sublime cinema. I suspect there are a couple of reasons why they're not more prevalent in movies. First, if they're not done well, they can make for a real crash-and-burn viewing experience. Second, a lot of dream sequences don't feel at all like dreams, but rather klunky attempts by the filmmakers to make a point, advance the plot. Third, they're hard to translate as well on the script page than in a movie.

But you've inspired me. I'll be posting something later with a few classic film dream sequences from Bunuel, Bergman, and whatever else I can find.
Jeff at 2009-08-30 10:43:03:
Though obviously Fellini inspired, Woody Allen's STARDUST MEMORIES has some wonderful glimpses into the dreamlife of its main character.
Jeff at 2009-08-30 10:47:04:
And, of course, we mustn't forget the aptly titled "DREAMS" from Akira Kurusawa, in which he dramatized a dozen or so of his own dreams, committing them beautifully (and somewhat chillingly) to film.
David at 2009-08-30 13:54:56:
The dream sequence in Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" springs to mind as one of the most effective dream sequences in cinema, along with the intro to 8 1/2.
Christian H. at 2009-08-31 09:36:50:
And admittedly, my whole point is to inspire content creators. Many of you have inspired me.